Tucker Kraft takes huge step in injury recovery at Packers practice

Sunday was a great day for tight end Tucker Kraft and the Green Bay Packers. Kraft, who has been recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season, has been slowly been working his way back during training camp, step by step. But he took a huge step forward during the team’s latest training camp practice on Sunday, when he took part in the team’s 11-on-11 period for the first time. “I think you could be in for a treat today,” head coach Matt LaFleur said when asked if Kraft would take part in 11-on-11 drills. This marks the first time Kraft has been able to take part in the team period since his injury and it puts him one step closer to being ready for Week 1. MORE: 6 fantasy tight end sleepers who could outperform ADP Will Tucker Kraft be ready for Week 1? Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) is shown at training camp Friday, July 31, 2026 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect) While Tucker Kraft’s status for Week 1 hasn’t been confirmed yet, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that he’s moving in the right direction to be ready. “My understanding is (Kraft) is in fact on track for Week 1,” Rapoport reported before the Packers took the practice field. MORE: Predicting which NFL head coach gets fired first in 2026 As of this moment, we would expect to see Kraft out on the field when the Packers begin their season on Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Minnesota Vikings. Tucker Kraft’s fantasy football outlook Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) runs for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. (Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect) Kraft was on pace to have a career season in 2025 before his knee injury. The veteran tight end totaled 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games, ranking as TE4 overall in points-per-reception (PPR) formats in that span, per Fantasy Pros. That showing came after a breakout season in 2024, when Kraft ranked as TE10 overall. His 2025 performance puts Kraft in the TE1 group entering 2026, but there are a few concerns. MORE: Maxx Crosby mocks Kirk Cousins beef with UFC 330 poster One of them has to do with the fact that some players are not themselves in the first year back from a torn ACL. It could very well take Kraft some extra time to get his feet fully back under him, which could lead to reduced production from what we saw last season. Another concern is the Packers have quite the crowded situation when it comes to pass-catchers. Kraft will have to contend for targets with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden, all of whom figure to have big roles in the offense. MORE: Ty Simpson’s rookie debut proves Rams made the right pick Unfortunately, the only concrete thing we can go on until he actually takes the field is how well Kraft has played the past two seasons. With that said, Kraft should be taken in the TE5 range in re-draft leagues. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —